On Mondays, I usually feature a green product or eco-friendly shop; however, today we’re going to talk about winning a little green at a local, independent retailer, Muse Boutique in Oak Park (106 N. Marion Street). Enter for a chance to win a gift certificate at this hip boutique.

A few years ago my friend, Carmie, won a car. Just like that.

Soon after, she won a trip for four to Vale, Colorado. All expenses paid: airfare, hotel, oh, and $1000 spending cash, too.

Then there was the one-year membership to Bally’s Fitness Club. I could go on, but I’ll stop there. You get the picture.

“I was suspicious,” I remember her telling me of the bulky manila envelope that had arrived in the mail declaring: “You are the winner of a brand new car!” But she had indeed filled out a simple entry form to win the car. Could it be true? After calling the number provided, she was told all she had to do was come by and drive the vehicle off the lot. And so she did.

“You’ve got to be in it to win it!” my friend Christy and I deduced recently after recounting the myriad wins of our lucky pal.

Apparently there is a whole world of prizes that are being given away out there, and if you have the patience to simply drop a business card into a fish bowl or scribble your name onto a ticket, well, you could be the next lucky winner.

Really? Could it be that easy?

Well, I thought I’d give it a try. After all, people seem to be winning prizes left and right. Why not me?

I have a favorite all-natural facial cleanser that I have used for years. So when I noticed an opportunity to win a trip to California by this same company, I thought: Here goes!

I filled out a simple form, dropped it in the mail, and went back to work and my daily routine. Just a few days later I received a phone call. I had won a trip to San Francisco, an all-expense-paid stay at a historic hotel, a day at the spa, and dinner at a French restaurant for myself and a friend. Oh my!

Since then, if a contest comes my way, well, hand me that pen.

Muse Boutique in Oak Park offers an opportunity each and every month for you to win a gift certificate for $25.

And today, in addition to Muse's monthly raffle, you have the opportunity to be the lucky winner of a gift certificate to Muse for $25! (Suddenly, I feel like Ed McMahon.)

Use the Login with Facebook! feature above the OakPark.com logo and post a comment to this blog by Friday, April 1st (Muse's one year anniversary!). In your comment, tell us about your favorite fashion find at Muse or share your favorite Muse designer and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

The lucky winner will be selected at random and announced next Friday, April 1st here at the Shopping Blog. Good luck to you and remember: You’ve got to be in it to win it!

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I'm all about shopping local in downtown Oak Park. I like Muse because of it's contemporary style and fashionable staff. My favorite black jacket by Dream Culture is from Muse. I also love the family's other shops around OP, too.

Megan Cody from Chicago Facebook Verified

Posted: March 28th, 2011 11:01 AM

Love the article! I love the line 4 Love & Liberty @ Muse!! Great sense of style!

Nikki Ellis from Chicago, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: March 23rd, 2011 5:13 PM

Muse is a gift from above for Oak Park! I love all the pieces they carry! My favorite find is a Charlie Jade dress that I purchased from Muse last Summer. It's a classic that I have received tons of compliments on!

Evelyn Way from Oak Park

Posted: March 23rd, 2011 2:05 PM

I love Muse! Heather has a great eye for picking out the best fashions and everyone there is so helpful.

Kate Palm from Oak Park, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: March 23rd, 2011 1:16 PM

Love all of the creative jewelry from local artists! I could spend ages browsing their shelves of earrings, necklaces, rings and other goodies!

Christina from OakPark.com/Shopping/Blogs

Posted: March 22nd, 2011 3:09 PM

That's the spirit, Lisa! Good luck to you!

Lisa from Oak Park

Posted: March 22nd, 2011 2:57 PM

Loved this funny, informative article. I too have a friend who has won such prizes, but she made entering the contests sound like a lot more work than you did. Maybe she is protecting her turf! There is only way to find out. I'm going to follow your lead and give this MUSE contest a try.